Westmeath Topic - 15 February 2018

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14 TOPIC • 15February, 2018 NEWS N52 improvement on Cloghan to Billistown road will proceed THE realignment of the N52 from Cloghan to Billistown is set to proceed as approval was granted at the January meeting of Westmeath County Council. Chief Executive Pat Gallagher made the recommendation for the project to proceed to the Part 8 planning stage and this was approved by elected members who welcomed the second phase of the realignment works. “Not everyone may be happy but this is one of the most dangerous roads in Ireland and so this must proceed,” said Fianna Fáil councillor Paddy Hill on proposing that the recommendation be approved. He acknowledged that there had been some outstanding issues with landowners in the area. Also, the first phase did bring significant levels of disruption to the north Westmeath communities along the route but this is not expected to be as much as the project reaches the next phase. Cllr. Johnny Penrose (Labour) seconded the proposal, saying that the finished road will be of great benefit to the community. Fine Gael’s Emily Wallace was also aware of the strong need for the delivery of the improvement but in welcoming the works and endorsing the approval given, she cautioned that good communications are essential. “This is the main artery north and the key thing is to keep communications open with the residents,” Cllr. Wallace said. Cllr. John Shaw (FF) said that there had been too many fatalities on this particular road and the improvement is welcome as it will improve safety. St Finian's College are Junk Kouture Regional finalists! St Finian's College first Transition Year programme has gotten off to a flying start, as can be seen from two TY students first foray into the world of fashion and design. Clodagh Collins and Amber O'Hagan entered the Bank of Ireland's Junk Kouture national competition with an inspiring ideato use recyclable and reusable waste products to design and create a striking piece of couture, but to also raise awareness of an important social and cultural issue in our societypreventing stereotyping. With this in mind, their piece 'Not So Stereotypical' Westmeath Man Major Player in Dublin’s Soaring Pub Scene BY: CLAIRE CORRIGAN A Clonmellon man is one of the major player in Dublin’s soaring pub industry- Alan Clancy is founder of NolaClan group who wholly or partially own about 10 venues, including The Fence in Mullingar, with plans for more in the city, particularly in the white-hot Dame Street locale. The group have just opened 9 Below, a reservations-only bar on St Stephen’s Green last December that aims to deliver five-star hotel-style service and last week The Irish Times revealed that Clancy has linked up with major developer Jerry Conlon to fund it’s assault on the city. Conlan has taken a stake of more than 25 per cent in the group, whose big hits include House on Leeson Street and Xico on Baggot Street. Michael Wright, Alan Clancy and James Burgess from The Wright Venue collect the Best Nightclub Award from Brian McGuinness of Corona Extra Beer in July 2010 “Alan is an ideas guy: he loves devising new bar concepts,” said one industry insider. “In recent years, he has tried to buy anything that moves.” It’s certainly a good time to invest in the industry with bar sales rising 5.5 per cent last year, according to official State statistics, but that arc soared far higher Jack Brennan, Xico, Alan Clancy, House; Shane Lowry and Laurence Kinlan at the launch in Amber Nightclub in Limerick. Clodagh Collins models the outfit that has been selected to take part in the Regional Finals catwalk event in Dublin. The Licensed Vintners Association (LVA), which represents the capital’s publicans, estimates growth in the city was in the “high single digits”, as pubs enter their fourth year of solid improvement. LEASEHOLDS Clancy, who has been funded by Kish Capital and Warren Private, also owns shares in at least six pubs outside of NolaClan. A decade ago, the low-key Westmeath man was running a small group of pubs on Dublin’s northside for Howth businessman Michael Wright. In 2009, while the market lay moribund, they opened the Wright Venue, a cavernous 50,000sq ft nightclub in a retail park in Swords which was a celebrity hit. By 2011, Clancy had branched out on his own with Mrs Robinsons in Greystones, 15 miles outside the city, financially backed by publican Vincent O’Reilly, who sold the Graduate in Killiney for €10 million before the crash. The following year, they picked up the lease on 37 Dawson Street (formerly Ron Blacks) for €400,000, after UK-based Argentinian steakhouse chain Gaucho got cold feet. In 2013, Clancy opened House, and the group took off. Clancy separately owns bars in Chapelizod (the Villager), New York, Kilkenny (with Dublin GAA star Bernard Brogan) and, soon, Athlone (with Blizzards drummer, Declan Murphy). With Naas developer Conlan – one of the “Maple 10” investors who tried to save Anglo Irish Bank in 2008 – NolaClan’s focus will be on the Dame Street area, close was born! With staff member Breege Taylor, who has been a wealth of knowledge to the students, Clodagh and Amber have dedicated hours of their time designing their stunning creation. Every piece of 'junk' for the dress was gathered from their homes, computer shops in Mullingar, and the WEEE (Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment) centre in Clonmore Ind. Estate. Using dumped stereo speaker heads, with left over piano and keyboard/typewriter keys, their vision and theme has come alive! The 'Not So Stereotypical' team have made it through to the Regional Finals catwalk event, which will be Clodagh Collins and Amber O’Hagan. to the group’s Oak pub. Exchequer Hotel owner Conlan, who has reemerged from the ashes of the boom with backing from US group Grand Coast Capital, has already signed NolaClan up for a huge bar on 37 Dame Street, which used to house the Migrant Rights Centre Ireland. Conlan is also redeveloping the nearby Exchequer in a scheme that envelops the Globe pub, which Conlan appears to have bought recently. Conlan is separately developing two other boutique hotels in the vicinity of Dame Street with Grand Coast, both of which have bar concepts that could benefit from Clancy’s expertise. Dame Street is in the Dublin 2 area, which is “the hottest area in the country right now for bar turnover”, says Donall O’Keeffe, chief executive of the LVA. “The city market is in terrific shape, especially with all the tourists and the national events taking place in the city.” The Clonmellon man just opened ‘9 Below’, a reservations-only bar on St Stephen’s Green, last December, that aims to deliver five-star hotel-style service. held in The Helix in DCU on 7 March and will be judged by influencers and critics such as Pippa O'Connor and Louis Walsh, along with a select student judging panel. The five Regional winning teams will win a trip to the Cannes film festival in May. With this in mind, 10% of Clodagh and Amber's Regional final result will come from an online voting campaign. Details of how to submit your online vote will be available in the coming weeks. Many thanks to Andrew Finnerty, Leaving Certificate student and budding photographer, for giving up his time to create incredible competition entry photos.

TOPIC • 15February, 2018 NEWS 15 Mullingar Town Band centre of music is now enrolling! 1978 – Joe Dolan turning the sod at the site of current Bandhall at commencement of work on the Bandhall site, forty years ago. Also behind are (l. to r) Ben Dolan, and the late Seamus Daly and Gerry Reynolds. BY CLAIRE CORRIGAN For anyone thinking of taking up a New Year hobby but didn’t get around to it yet….it’s not too late! Mullingar Town Band is now enrolling new members. Open Night and Registration is on Friday evening 23 February at 7:30pm at the Bandhall. Here you will meet the Band Committee and will get the opportunity to hear/see the band in action during their rehearsal. All information about joining the Band will be available on the night. New classes will then commence on Saturday week, 24 February at 4pm for New Colourguard and New Drum Class and on Tuesday 27 for Beginner Instrumentalists. The instrumental class will commence on recorder before choosing a brass or woodwind instrument. The MTB have had a very busy and successful year. The Band travelled to Germany for the first time to compete and perform alongside 2,500 other musicians at the International Musiktage Rastede and won the All Ireland Marching Band Finals for the first time in September last. Bandhall Refurbishment Information Meeting Friday, 16 February We are now looking ahead to another busy year but a very different year for Mullingar Town Band. On this Friday 16 February, the Band committee will be holding an Information Meeting for band members and parents and for the interested public to discuss our long awaited and much needed refurbishment of the premises of Mullingar Town Band based in Zone A, Business Park. The current building where the band rehearses is 40-years-old with all of the original décor, windows and toilet facilities! It is imperative that we now begin the funding process to bring this much needed facility up to modern standards. This is important for the future of music and music education in Mullingar. Over the years some 5,000 young (and old) musicians have been educated by Mullingar Town Band. With numbers on the rise, we need to secure the future of the Mullingar Town Band with up to date facilities that meet all modern day requirements. The Bandhall, when refurbished will accommodate not just the members of the Mullingar Town Band but the community of Mullingar. Mullingar Town Band, one of the oldest bands in Ireland, is looking forward to celebrating 140 years in 2019. The band was officially founded in 1879 but can trace its roots back to the early 1840s! We are now looking forward to the next 140 years and hoping you can support us going forward. We look forward to seeing you on Friday at 7:30pm at the Bandhall. To find out some more about the Band or how to book the Band visit our website www.mullingartownband.ie Lucy Pierce, MTB Recorder class, considering the baritone as her choice of instrument next term! PLANNING NOTICES WESTMEATH COUNTY COUNCIL: We, Paul and Claire Walsh, are applying to Westmeath County Council for a development at Loughinstown, Knockdrin, Co. Westmeath as follows: Demolition of existing kitchen/utility of circa 22 sq. m on the southern end of their dwelling house and its replacement with a storey and a half extension of circa 185 sq. m. The development also includes for the replacement of existing septic tank with a propriety waste water treatment system/percolation area to EPA standards and all necessary associated site works. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the Offices of the Planning Authority at Mullingar Municipal District Offices, Mount Street, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of the prescribed fee of, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application and such submission or observation will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. WESTMEATH COUNTY COUNCIL: Pertshear Ltd, intend to apply for full planning permission for development at Rathgarve Estate, Water Street, Townparks, Castlepollard, Co. Westmeath. The development consists of (A) Complete 2 no. two storey 3 bed semi- detached dwellings (house type 1), 2 no. two storey 3 bed semi-detached dwellings (house type 4) works currently at sub floor level (B) To construct 2 no. two storey 3 bed semidetached dwellings (house type 2) (C) Connect to existing on-site mains services (D) Amendments and alterations to site plan and site boundary (E) Complete all ancillary site works as previously granted under planning ref. 072186. The Planning Application may be inspected or purchased, at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the Offices of the Planning Authority at Mullingar Municipal District Offices, County Buildings Mullingar during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority at the above office on payment of the prescribed fee, €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Planning Authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Michael Hetherton Arch & Eng Services Ltd, Unit 3, Cavan Street, Oldcastle, Co. Meath: 049 8542911. WESTMEATH COUNTY COUNCIL: I, Lorcan Hogg, intend to apply to Westmeath County Council for planning permission to construct a 4 bedroom dormer bungalow, waste water treatment plant and all associated site works. This site is within the curtilage of a Protected Structure (the main entrance gates serving Middletown Park House No. 032-015) at Kilhugh, Castletown-Geoghegan, Co. Westmeath. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the Offices of the Planning Authority, Mullingar Municipal District during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority, Westmeath County Council on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. WESTMEATH COUNTY COUNCIL: I, Alison Fitzgerald, intend to apply to Westmeath County Council for planning permission for development to be carried out at: Moorerow, Gaybrook, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath. The development will consist of the renovation of & extension to an existing house. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the Offices of the Planning Authority at Mullingar Municipal District Offices, County Buildings, Mullingar, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Planning Authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. WESTMEATH COUNTY COUNCIL: We, Desmond & Sarah Toomey, wish to apply to Westmeath County Council for permission to construct a single storey side extension together with modernising existing front porch and to carry out external and internal renovations with all associated site works. Permission is also sought to decommission existing septic tank and to install a new treatment system and associated polishing filter all at Ballagh, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the Offices of the Planning Authority, Mullingar Municipal District Offices, County Buildings, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority at the above office on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Signed: John Madden & Associates. WESTMEATH COUNTY COUNCIL: We, Seamus & James Higgins, wish to apply to Westmeath County Council for permission to construct a four bay slatted shed within our existing farm yard together with all associated site works all at Cloncullen, Ballmahon, Co. Westmeath. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the Offices of the Planning Authority, Athlone Municipal District, Athlone Civic Centre, Athlone during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority at the above office on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Signed: John Madden & Associates. WESTMEATH COUNTY COUNCIL: We, Jennifer Coffey & Fergus McLoughlin, wish to apply to Westmeath County Council for permission and retention permission of alterations from that previously granted extension and renovations under file reference number 17/6246. Permission consists of a proposed revised internal layout and size of rear extension. Retention permission consists of revised design and location of windows and doors as per constructed on site together with all associated site works all at Coralstown, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the Offices of the Planning Authority, Mullingar Municipal District Offices, County Buildings, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority at the above office on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Signed: John Madden & Associates WESTMEATH COUNTY COUNCIL: I, Stephanie Kelly, intend to apply for planning permission to construct a dwelling house with septic system & percolation area with all ancillary site works at Streamstown, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the Offices of the Planning Authority, Athlone Municipal District, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority, Westmeath County Council on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Signed: M.F. Kelly & Associates. Tel: 085 7255182. WESTMEATH COUNTY COUNCIL: I, Niamh Nally, intend to apply for planning permission for a development at Stokestown, Ballinea, Co. Westmeath. The development will consist of permission to construct one number dwelling house (two storey, 281 sq. m), domestic garage (46.7 sq m) and upgrading agricultural gate to facilitate a domestic entrance and permission to close existing lay-by with two entrances to facilitate one shared entrance onto the public roadway. Permission is also sought for the installation of a packaged waste water treatment system and polishing filter and all associated site works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the Offices of the Planning Authority, Mullingar Municipal District during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee, €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application. WESTMEATH COUNTY COUNCIL: We, Cooney’s Pharmacy Limited, wish to apply to Westmeath County Council for permission to convert existing office building to two number 2 bedroom apartments and a one number 3 bedroom apartment and to construct an additional two number 1 bedroom apartments on the north elevation, and to construct two number 3 bedroom semi-detached bungalow type dwellings, upgrading of existing site entrance, car parking and roads and all ancillary site services at Mount Carmel Drive, Killeenboylegan, Moate, Co. Westmeath. The application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the Offices of the Planning Authority, Athlone Municipal District, Athlone Civic Centre, Athlone during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority at the above offices on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Auth ority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. WESTMEATH COUNTY COUNCIL: I, Robert Mizzell, wish to apply to Westmeath County Council for permission to construct a 62.4 sq.m two storey type extension to the east elevation of existing two storey dwelling house, retention of existing 103.0 sq.m garage/ music rehearsal room and all ancillary site services at Little Rock Lodge, Ballinagore, Kilbeggan, Co. Westmeath. The application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority, Mullingar Municipal District Offices, County Buildings, Mullingar during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority at the above offices on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Auth ority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.